From a small shop in Thomasville, North Carolina, independent luthier Thomas "Skip" Kelley builds fine mandolins by hand, one at a time. Since he personally builds each one, Kelley's limited output—approximately 10 instruments a year—ensures high quality and attention to detail. Using only the finest materials and tweaking designs to impart character into each individual instrument, Kelley builds impressive mandolins that are highly-regarded in many bluegrass circles. Kelley built this F5 in 2018, and it is a high-quality, handmade mandolin. It features an Old Growth Red Spruce top over hand-carved Flame Maple back and sides. The classic Loar-era F design produces a distinct tone, and this one packs serious bark and chop for days. Like many independent builders, Kelley put a lot of effort into making sure this F5 plays and functions at the highest level, too. A hinged James tailpiece, Gotoh Elite tuners, and a radius fingerboard with Evos Gold frets make for a top-tier playing experience. This F5 is wide open and ready to go wherever you need to go! This 2018 Kelley F5 is gently used and shows some minor signs of use, but it's in nice shape all around (see photos). The worst is some pickwear on the treble side of the top, right in the playing area. Next to the bass-side f-hole, there is a small mark that looks like a crack or some kind of finish check along the grain line, but there is no sign of repair and the top is 100% stable. Hard to say if this one ever opened up! This mandolin looks sharp with a nice amber sunburst, and all around it feels like a well-made mandolin. The back of the neck has the classic "speed neck" stripped feel that is really nice if a sticky finish has ever slowed you down. This 2018 Kelley F5 produces a throaty, yet well-balanced F-style sound. It will cut in any bluegrass setting, but it is not without sweetness and nuance. It captures many of the qualities we love about handmade mandolins, but at a price that is easier to swallow than other independent builders. It includes its original TKL hardshell case.
